Date: Saturday 3rd June 2023 - Sunday 4th June 2023 at Telford International Centre
Entries close: 2023-04-01
Entry ages: 9 years +
Cangaroos gymnasts and coaches travelled to Telford on the weekend of June 3rd & 4th to take part in the 2023 National Age Group Championships. This year the event was bigger than ever as the qualifying rounds had been suspended, with all eligible gymnasts being invited to compete at the competition. The top ranked 24, based on qualifying round scores, from the combined age groups: 10-12, 13-16, 17-21 & Senior will be invited to compete at the British Championships held in Birmingham on 16th & 17th September, so stakes were high, with gymnasts competing for valued medals, but also rankings for the British Championships.
First to compete was Sara Shaw, competing in the Women's FIG 13-14 Age Group. This was Sara's first ever competition in the UK and at this level as she lives with her family in Singapore, but trains with Cangaroos in the summer when visiting her UK family. Nerves were evident in her 1st exercise, but a successful conclusion with good execution scores, saw her attain a round score of 39.170. Sara scored an impressive 45.970 for her 2nd exercise, giving her a total of 85.140 and securing 10th place out of a huge entry of 46 gymnasts. What a fantastic start to the day, with her just missing the final 8 by just 0.860 and what a performance for her 1st ever senior competition.
Next to compete was Nicola Bannister. Nicola was competing in the Disability Performance - Category 2 - Women's 15+ group. This disability category is open to those with people with physical disabilities and sees a wide range of gymnasts with disabilities competing at this level, performing some spectacular routines. Following a successful English competition in April, Nicola had high hopes for this competition. She successfully completed her 1st exercise, but an error in the 2nd meant some improvisation was needed and although she completed the 10 skills, the execution and difficulty was not as high as planned. This resulted in Nicola placing 4th with a score of 52.600, so just outside the medals, but securely qualifying to the British Championships.
After lunch, Lucas Coleman-Denny took to the competition floor in the Men's FIG 9-10 Age Group. A well executed 1st exercise produced a score of 34.660 which saw him in 5th place. However, a superb 2nd exercise and a score of 39.150 saw him climb to 3rd place in qualifying with a total round score of 73.810. A solid routine in the Final saw him score 38.860 and secure 4th place and almost certain qualification to the British Championships.
Freya Carter was our final competitor on the Saturday, competing in the Women's FIG 9-10 Age Group. This was a very high quality field and Freya successfully completed her 1st exercise with a score of 33.220. Her second exercise was an improvement and saw a round score of 36.680. this produced a total score of 69.990 and she took 17th place. A successful 1st day of competition for Cangaroos and we were looking forward to the next days events.
Lilia Kearney was competing on the Sunday morning in the Women's FIG 15-16 Age Group. Another large and fiercely contested competition, Lilia performed well in her 1st exercise but unfortunately touched the mat on her out- bounce resulting in a penalty being applied and a round score of 35.350. She rallied well, but had to reduce her difficulty tariff in the 2nd exercise, which also led to a further penalty being applied, this resulted in a round score of 43.380 and a total score of 78.730, putting her in 23rd place out of 40 gymnasts.
Our gymnasts and coaches stayed to watch a thrilling Men's and Ladies Senior event where new National Age Group Champions were crowned. We wait now to hear who of our gymnasts will join Nicola at the British Championships, with both Sara and Lucas in with excellent chances of achieving the ranking required.
Once again Cangaroos is indebted to our coaches and parents who do so much to support our gymnasts at these events. We want to thank Alasdair Macrae who was lead Coach for the event and Nicola Bannister who ably supported him on Saturday, when not competing. Without their support, we cannot attend these events and we thank them for giving up their time to help our gymnasts.
Next weekend our national gymnasts return to Telford to take part in the 2nd English Qualifying competition. With Lucas and Yacine already qualified to the English Championship Finals, our ladies are hoping to improve on their ranking scores from the 1st qualifier to reach the Finals and Iza Moutrie will make her national debut after last years Inter-regional Team Finals. We will bring you all the news after the event.